Samsung HZ50W vs Sony A57

On this page, we are evaluating the Samsung HZ50W vs Sony A57, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the HZ50W (14MP) and the A57 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the HZ50W (1/2.3") and A57 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The HZ50W was introduced 3 years earlier than the A57 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Samsung HZ50W being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summation of how the HZ50W grades vs the A57 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung HZ50W and Sony SLT-A57. The whole galleries are viewable at Samsung HZ50W Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Samsung HZ50W comes with external measurements of 116mm x 83mm x 91mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Sony A57 has proportions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Examine the Samsung HZ50W vs Sony A57 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the HZ50W compared to the A57.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ50W and A57 is 70 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through technical specs. The visual here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the HZ50W and A57.

As you have seen, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The HZ50W with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony A57 will resolve extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The older HZ50W is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.